Red-hot Amarillo Bulls return to home ice after winning last six games on road

Fans shouldn’t do a double take if the Amarillo Bulls show up wearing their road jerseys at 7 p.m. today on the ice at Amarillo Civic Center Cal Farley Coliseum.

Who would blame them?

Amarillo returns to its home ice for the first time in 20 days, hosting a two-game series against NAHL South Division foe Rio Grande Valley.

The Bulls are coming off six straight road games in the past 12 days, opening eyes across the NAHL by winning all six, including the last two at Rio Grande Valley.

That impressive time on the road has the Bulls owning an eight-game winning streak and the best record in the 24-team NAHL.

Part of the reason for the Bulls success is the play of goalies Collin Delia (9-1-0, 1.39 goals against average) and Paul Berrafato (9-2-1, 2.15 GAA). They alternate games, with Delia normally opening a series, and the strategy has been a success.

Berrafato said the Bulls bring momentum into tonight’s games.

“The boys did great on the road trip,” Berrafato said. “We really came together for six huge wins there. Every game had its own challenge and we were up to the task. ... it was awesome.”

Amarillo coach Dennis Williams said he was pleased “the way we battled through that road trip with no excuses on the bench” but despite the Bulls’ hot play’ he expects RGV to be all his team can handle in this series.

“This will be the first time for our fans to see Rio Grande and they are a big and strong and a very good hockey team,” Williams said. “I know we are 3-1 against them but we have a tough time with them. They are going to come in here with a chip on their shoulders and we better be playing on all cylinders.”

Bulls’ McGuire commits to Army

Bulls forward Brendan McGuire made an oral commitment Thursday to attend West Point and will play Division I hockey for Army.

“Amarillo does a tremendous job moving players on to the next level,” McGuire said. “It’s a huge honor to be part of that list and to add on to the success that the Bulls have had.”

McGuire will join at Army former Bulls Joe Kozlak, Clint Carlisle, Kyle Plageman, Luke Jenkins and close friend Garrett Peterson.

The 6-5, 210-pound power forward, who is in his first season with the Bulls, has two goals and seven assists for nine points in 22 games. He has 28 shots on goal and 52 penalty minutes. McGuire said playing for the Bulls is preparing him for the next stage in his life.

“Coach (Dennis) Williams runs a Division I program here at the junior level in Amarillo,” McGuire said. “It will make my adjustment easier going into Army and the situations I will encounter up there. You have your good days and your bad days here just like you would at Army.”

Promotions

The Bulls are offering deals on tickets and food for tonight’s and Saturday’s games.

Friday — Military Appreciation Night Brought To You By Sitel. All members of the military receive a free ticket with an ID. The Family Freedom Pack features four hotdogs, four soft drinks and four tickets for $39. There is a Bring-A-Buddy Pack for $20, which includes two tickets, two hotdogs and two cokes.

Saturday — High Plains Food Bank Night. Fans who bring two canned or nonperishable food items get $4 off an adult ticket.